Palo Brings Fine Dining to Disney Cruises

Though the Disney Magic arranges a seemingly endless amount of on-board activities for you and your loved ones, there’s nothing like a quiet escape and an indulgent meal. High up on Deck 10, the elegant, adults only restaurant Palo offers truly decadent Northern Italian cuisine that will sweep you off your feet and send you straight into a dizzying food coma.

Palo draws its inspiration from Venice, Italy; from the handcrafted Venetian glass décor to the Carnevale masks adorning a beautiful back-lit bar. Palo’s name is even derived from the poles gondoliers use to navigate their way through the Venice canals. The restaurant is soaked in deep reds and gold, highlighted by floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a panoramic ocean view.

Dining at Palo requires a small extra dining charge per person, which seems like pennies compared with what the chef has in store. The dinner begins with bread, sparkling water, and with an antipasti platter of Italian cheeses, cured meats, artichoke hearts, and roasted garlic. The servers at Palo are highly trained in authentic Italian culinary fare, and a sommelier is available to answer any and all questions about wine.

If you’re to order one dish though, prepare yourself (mentally and physically), and try the Osso Buco. The slow-roasted center cut Veal Shank is served with gremolata, atop a creamy Risotto Milanese. Fair warning: it’s so rich, so downright delicious; it may ruin you for other food.

Once you’ve had a chance to digest, settle in for dessert. If you’re about to burst, try something light, like the panna cotta. If you’re in it for the long haul, order the chocolate soufflé. Served with vanilla bean and chocolate sauce and a delicate scoop of vanilla gelato, the soufflé seems, in its small ramekin, a manageable dessert. One bite will show you otherwise. According to the crew, the chocolate soufflé is one of the most beloved items on the Palo menu.

With its intimate interior and sophisticated cuisine, Palo is a magical dining experience. But don’t just take us at our word; take a look at some of the food Palo has to offer, and try it yourself aboard the Disney Magic, or any of the Disney Cruise ships, each which have their own edition of the restaurant.

Planning a cruise of your own? The official Disney Cruise Lines website has all of the info on the different ships and itineraries available. And be sure to look at the Special Offers section for an up-to-date list of sales and discounts currently up for grabs.

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